The Modern Life of the Single Sister

“Its all about taking real active measures in being the captain of your own happy ship.”– The Comeback Girl, November 2008

Every since Comeback Girl said be the Captain of your own happy ship I have sought to live and abide by this mantra! I don’t think too many people follow this! They are either too caught up in pleasing people or worrying about what people are going to say. I declare to you (T.I. and Rihanna style) to live your life, what’s good for you isn’t always good for the next person, and if it isn’t killing you and it’s not illegal who am I to rain on your parade? But I think a lot of times we give others or circumstances the reigns when it comes to our feelings. We fail to realize that we wear the crown. Some people don’t even think of their happiness and how it fits into their life… is it important? Does it control how well they succeed in other areas of life? Are they even happy were they currently are in life?

So you ask, what makes your ship so d@mn happy? Well while on my Tiptoeing to 30 journey (More like “Knocking on the Door to 30” now) my main focus has been the pursuit of happiness- Getting me together financially, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually- these are all things I control and make decisions on how to handle; they also comprise my happiness. In my psyche if I got money in my pocket (not talking $5.00 but Arab money); I’m not emotionally/mentally drained or stressed out from a psycho ex who doesn’t get the hint; my butt is banging in those new Joe’s I just bought; and the Lord has blessed me with living to see another day then really what am I so upset about that I just can’t seem to put a smile on my pretty little face?

Wanna know how I keep Ship Holly happy while coasting down that Lilac Carpet? It took me a while to learn but once I got it together it became easy. I try to let go of negativity and drama- this includes people, places, or things. People who are miserable and love drama always seem to thrive in venues where no sane person would ever think of hanging out or frequenting. These people also love to have company and hate having anyone around who seems to always be- happy and blessed. They will create turmoil in this person’s life just to have someone to share complaints with. Kick these people to the curb… get rid of the bad habits that seem to bring you down… and most of all find your center- the place where you can be upbeat and positive. No one likes a Grouchy Greg or a Complaining Connie!

Where does happiness fit on a scale of 1 to 10 in Holly’s life? #1!!!! Happiness should be numero uno on everyone’s list… if not that then numero dos. If it doesn’t fit in the top tier of your hierarchy then I strongly suggest you revise and draft a plan of action to get it there!!

Now is the time to take charge and become your own Capt. Happy!! Happiness is an emotion you control? Have you evaluated your happiness? Have you asked yourself who and what is controlling your Happy Ship?? Do you even care about that state of your happiness??

After watching the final debate the other night, it dawned on me that Obama could actually win this thing. If that happens, there will be a lot of people (some of our co-workers included) who will be afraid that an Obama presidency will usher in the end of days. They’ll be watching us on November 5th (the day after the election) for signs of the end times. To keep the peace and keep a lot of folks from getting nervous, I think we should develop a list of acceptable celebrations and behaviors we should probably avoid – at least for the

first few days:

1. No crying, hugging or shouting ‘Thank you Lord’ – at least not in public

2 No high-fives – at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses

3 No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters

4 No calling in sick on November 5th. They’ll get nervous if too many of us don’t show up.

5 We’re allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.

6. No singing loudly, We’ve come this Far By Faith (it will be acceptable to hum softly)

7. No bringing of barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week (no chitterlings at all) (this may make us seem too ethnic)

8. No leaving kool-aid packages at the water fountain (this might be a sign that poor folks might be getting a break through)

9. No Cupid Shuffle during breaks (this could indicate a little too much excitement)

10. Please no Moving on Up music (we are going to try to remain humble)

11. No doing the George Jefferson dance (unless you’re in your office with the door closed)

12. Please try not to yell—-BOOOO YAH!

13. Just in case you’re wondering, Doing the Running Man, cabbage patch, or a backhand spring on the highway is 100% okay.

14. No cussing out your boss (of another persuasion) because ‘I’ve been waiting for this day all my life!’

15. Don’t go into the stores asking for a discount because the President is all of a sudden a distant relative (he my aunts, cousin’s nephew’s uncle).

16. Don’t go out and get drunk and get into it with a Police Officer telling him you now have new rights as an African American and shouting ‘We have Arrived!’ (your butt will still go to jail)

17. No naming every baby boy born in November Barak or Obama, we’ll have way too many in the classroom with the same name. Or if it’s a girl, no names like Baraka, Barakiana, Barakisha, Barakeema, Barakamichelle’, Obamashay, Obamarosa, Obama-mama, or Obamichellerak!

18. No talking smack about politics when you still don’t know whatcha talkin’ about. (this will be a good time to read more to learn more about our government)

19. Don’t praise him over God! He’s still just a man… a good man that we’re very proud of, yet still a man.

20. DO allow him to be a positive example in your life and walk with your head held high when the haters hate, maintain your dignity when faced with adversity, and strive to make this a better world for our children (grand-children)!

If I’ve missed anything feel free to add to the list. I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page when Obama brings this thing home on November 5th.

Now (if you are able to in your state) go get your early vote on and let’s make this thing happen!!!